Batting practice device

Abstract

A batting practice device has a first tether means attached to the top of a vertical pole at one end and supporting a ball and at the other end. A second tether means is attached to the pole and is attached to the first tether means above the ball.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A batting practice device for use with a ball comprising: a. a pole extending vertically from and secured to a practice surface;   b. a first tether means having its upper end attached proximate to the top of said pole;   c. said ball secured to the lower end of said first tether means;   d. a second tether means with one end connected to said pole, and the other end connected to said first tether means at a point intermediate its upper and lower ends.   
     
     
       2. The device of claim 1 wherein said pole is vertically adjustable. 
     
     
       3. The device of claim 1 where the length of said second tether means is such that when said ball is at rest, and when the connecting point of said second tether means to said first tether means is approximately 16 to 28 inches from the end of said first tether means, there is sufficient slack in said second tether means, when said first tether means is slidably attached to said second tether means, to allow for a vertical slidable movement of approximately 12 inches of travel of said slidable connection along said first tether means when the ball is struck and in motion. 
     
     
       4. The device of claim 1 where the dimensions or corresponding ratios of dimensions are approximately as follows: a. the length of said pole is 78 inches;   b. the length of said first tether means is substantially 55 inches;   c. the length of said second tether means is substantially 20 inches; and   d. the distance from said practice surface or stand to the attachment point of said second tether means to said pole is substantially 32 inches.   
     
     
       5. A batting practice device for use with a ball comprising: a. a pole extending vertically from and secured to a stand;   b. a first tether means having its upper end attached proximate to the top of said pole;   c. said ball secured to the lower end of said first tether means; and   d. a second tether means with one end connected to said pole, and the other end connected to said first tether means at a point intermediate its upper and lower ends.